U.S. Members of Congress Live
on a Food Stamp Budget

October 30, 2007

Congressman Chris Van Hollen Takes the Food Stamp Challenge

Congressman Van Hollen reflects on living on the Food Stamp Challenge for one week:

The Food Stamp Challenge brings home the struggle that many Americans face on a daily basis. It quickly focuses your mind and your stomach on just how little food $21 a week buys. It also demonstrates that it is difficult, if not impossible, to eat a balanced diet on $21, especially fresh fruits and vegetables. I was feeling very cranky by the end of the week.

I am told that soon my husband and myself will only get $16.00 a month in food stamp benefits in pg county, Maryland. That is ridiculous. Just because he is now entitled to receive early retirement social security benefits, doesn't mean that the monies will cover our monthly food costs, with all the other bills we have to pay.

I think the evaluation rate chart should be looked at again, and changed to allow people to be able to live within means of today's standards. Also, wouldn't it be great if there were grocery stores opened and available to food stamp recepients? That way, the prices would be cheaper, and the government will feel safe in knowing that everyone on the program is eating healthy, yet affordable food?